I just laughed so hard it hurt....AND it was about me

Ok so the last couple of weeks have been craziness, chaos which I thrive on. I am always going on 100 miles per hour especially when I get excited about my classes, my method, new opportunities etc. I took advice and starting getting some assistance. I have been described as a tornado, a whirlwind, ok...I am and that is ok, actually I have been moved in and out and officially out of Craig's office....well I had nowhere to go because my other office I was kicked out because my boys couldn't take the clutter or lots of stuff. I am still trying to figure out which room in my house works best so I am a transient I guess you could say, my laptop and all of my stuff. I get bored quick and have so many things that I want to do and so many I don't like to do.. I made a list. That's where Heidi came in because I realize I didn't like dealing with check in, but its not checking people in, its just entering the stuff after. I am very blessed with sooooo many people wanting to help me...go out of their way to help me because I am so busy. I also hear I am not the easiest person to work for because I atart "ADD'ing" and I have a hard time delegating, I feel bad to delegate or maybe I try to delegate and I just end up doing it myself. Plain and simple, I am not good at it actually awful...It's funny to hear it from others though, and Heidi gave me the best laugh I have had in a long time....I have realized I miss checking everyone in and feel very detached from everyone, well I know so many of you who are reading this and thinking wow I can't believe this much thought and energy go into this...right??? Well it does along with making sure the heat is right with just enough humidity, making a connection with all of you and teaching, reinventing, and the list could go on and on....I put my all into everything and its because I want to. I have so many wonderful people who really want to do everything to help to take some of the chaos but I have realized chaos completes me, its who I am and I love it...So my new system effective tomorrow and really its because I have the right people who work with me and are supportive to my neurotic needs, I will be checking you in because I miss everyone on a personal level and that is what its all about for me. So no matter how big my classes are and how chaotic things get I am staying true to me. I love being the "tornado" that spins u around, chats your ear off, kicks it up in class, and talks fast...it's my passion and everyday I can't believe my passion has turned into a lifestyle, workout, job and has brought me so many wonderful, awesome people my way! Thanks for getting me:)

:: My METHOD and why you need to MODIFY::

So here is the thing, my method is completely different than anything you have ever done...I have made every single "pose" as my own and keep reinventing based on feedback and how are muscles react. I had a lot of injuries as most of you know through my days of running, weight training, and yoga classes, etc and loathed working out...When you come into my class for the first time and even many times after PLEASE realize that it takes time to "change your way of thinking" and we do a lot of things OPPOSITE in my class, than what you were taught in another class...For instance we must do 100 plus push ups but they are not traditional; I want you to MODIFY, MODIFY, MODIFY! I can not stress no matter how strong you are or how much you work out, my method is so different  AND  in order to get the benefits and see results it is better to MODIFY. For instance my creation of "DIVE THROUGHS" start in a "down dog" inverted v with your hips lifting high and and hands in the ground and to better strengthen your wrists we "cup the mat" so there is pressure in the fingertips and heel of the hand...this gives you much more wrist control. So when doing a dive through for the first time, you want to think about your hands being just about 2 feet apart and your elbows pulling into your ribcage (this helps work the biceps and triceps and takes more work to the core) YOU WANT TO DROP YOUR KNEES as do your push up down it turns into my creation of a "SCOOP" with your chin and rolling your shoulders down going into a variation of an "up dog" when we get to that point ENGAGE  and ACTIVATE the legs, butt etc....You need to use your core in every thing we do...there are about 5 to 10 plus people new in each and every class the word of mouth has been amazing. Now Saturday classes we are in the big back studio so please park in the pack and know Saturdays aren't as hot as the others...so if you want to slowly get used to the heat, Saturday would be the best to start with...all you todo is show up about 5 to 10 minutes early..we will sign u in. Classes fill up, and that is why we have a new policy and procedure post (see below) Please bring water, towels and a mat. I sell MANDUKA yoga towels and the Black Pro Mat and yes there is a huge difference. Quality is what Manduka is about and I stand by there products 110%. Large mats, 71 inch are $85 and large towels are $40. See you on the mat!

REMINDER 7:30 pm class tonight we can not enter studio until 7:20 BUT we can sign u in outside the studio

HEIDI will be signing you in tonight and always, weekends and nights BEFORE you enter the studio even if you have signed in via me, PLEASE know you have to give her your name and she is collecting money for classes. $12 drop in and $100 for a 10 class package CASH or CHECK only made payable to Tracey Gardner. CLASS PACKAGES EXPIRE 90 DAYS from purchase date/first class used. Classes fill up so please make room for everyone, we need to stagger if our mats are mat to mat... I also have some people in certain spots in the room because they are great to watch if you can't see me. A lot of my clients know modifications and or advancements so please follow them. Taking breaks in my class is essential to getting stronger and building endurance. See you on the mat! Namaste'

And yes a day off makes me miss class and you:: Hope for Haiti

I thought it would be a good thing to take a mental health day away from class because some times it is good to step away from something and evaluate...I know its just a class to some people but its not to me...there are times when you you hear "burn out" and that is my biggest fear but I have to say, taking a day off was way harder for me than I thought, especially when it was 8:30 am this am....I have no energy and I am quite irritated with everyone...I prefer to instruct...it's intresting because I hear everyone say and get told that "my classes are addicting" and I never really understood...but they are for me too...its  the energy that you all bring and the true love and support from all of you that keep me going! See you on the mat at 11 am SUNDAY, I am getting a lot of emails about class Sunday if there is room etc...YES please come we will be in the front studio however there is always an option of the big back studio! There is no need to arrive any earlier than 10 to 15 minutes before class...
I am also wanting to do a class in the next couple of weeks or so for HAITI  (I am trying to figure out the best day and time and large studio) I will make it a donation based class or minimum $10 and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Hope for Haiti campaign...Please stay connected and I will post it soon!

::: NO CLASS SATURDAY January 23 @ 8:30 am :::: SEE you Sunday at 11 am

So I have been contemplating TO HAVE or NOT to HAVE class this Saturday January 23 and I have decided to cancel. I know you all know I have been crazy busy with the many projects, classes have been busy and I haven't taken a day off or canceled a class for a "mental health day" in more than a year... I also have been suffering from exhaustion this week and in order for me to repair and recover

::: CLASS THIS SATURDAY ONLY JANUARY IS CANCELED @ 8:30 am :::...We will back ready to go Sunday @ 11 am. I am so sorry for any inconvenience but as I tell you all and I am taking my own advice and LISTENING TO MY MIND!!! Ok so as always thanks for the support the word of mouth and see you on the mat SUNDAY @ 11am.

Namaste'

YES we have class today Monday Jan 18 9:30 am and 7:30pm

YES WE HAVE CHILDCARE :::FRIDAY 9:30 am:::

Please email me if you plan on coming and using childcare tgardneryoga@gmail.com...the girls are great...$3 for your first child and $2 for each additional. See you on the mat!

::: REMINDER we can not enter the studio until 7:20 TONIGHT!!!! :::

Again if you are coming and have a class pass/package email me tgardneryoga@gmail.com and I will put you down. UNFORTUNATELY we can not enter the studio until 7:20, there is a ballet class that doesn't end until 7:15 EXACTLY....the lobby is chaotic and overcrowded and I am really sorry if you were ran over by a child last week...I wish we could get in sooner but we can't so as always I appreciate your patience. Please know it takes at least 5 of my classes to get comfortable with my method, learning dive throughs, tucking and scooping, core work and muscle activation takes time and doesn't happen in one class...Wednesdays are kicked up a little more than Mondays...MODIFY and go at your own pace!!! It is soooooo important! See you soon.

:: Monday January 11 @ 7:30 pm ::

Thanks for a great start into 2010...Last week we had 2 classes of 40 PEOPLE, I love it!!! Word is getting out and thanks to all of the referrals I really think nights especially could be this way for a little while at least. We can not enter the studio until 7:20 on both Mon and Wed nights...the lobby is so overcrowded especially Wed pm .... I am still trying to figure out how to mange this...I do have assistants helping me and they are sooooo much appreciated. Someone will be outside the door of the studio always to check you in...this week I am updating everything, so you will know where you are in your package...as everyone asks me "How do you do it?" I just do but I am realizing that I am blessed with the tremendous growth and support. My favorite part is instructing, creating, music, blogging and doing ALL of my own social media...I love it, the struggle that I am having is the worry that I can not back to everyone anymore via email since I have so many emails and having to turn someone away because the class is full. We have had to turn away just a couple of times due to space, please be patient and honestly we will be very creative (if we have too) to make everyone fit. I do want to say with 30 to 40 in a class it is hard for me to get to everyone so if you have a question, concern, etc, please let me know. I always say we need to "stagger our mats" now we can go mat to mat in the front studio and if we do just make sure your a couple feet ahead or behind the person next to you, that way everyone will have enough room...ok so a reminder please bring water, towels and a mat...don't expect to grab my method after a class or 2, it could take you 3 to get the hang of poses or 20, it depends on you!  There is so so so much endurance building, so take your time, you will get soooo much out of my classes when you modify! See you tonight!
Namaste'
Tracey

:: Bravo to the snow plows, roads are great! ::

Drive safe if you are coming to 8:30 am today,  the roads are great, I was already out and about grabbing coffee and was very impressed by the roads...We are in the back studio so please enter and park in the back...if you haven't been to my class yet, this class is the best one to start with, not as hot. Be sure to bring water, towels and a mat and you only need to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. See you soon!

Oh and Yes to Class NO CHILDCARE for you all use it TODAY FRI JAN 8

::: YES YES YES We are still having 9:30 am CLASS! :::

There might not be school and lots of things are closed including NA Ballet HOWEVER I am my own policies and procedures and WE HAVE CLASS TODAY @ 9:30 am, drive safe! become a fan on my Facebook page as well to get all updates
www.Facebook.com/thetraceygardnermethod 

Turn up the volume some music and YES we are having class

Thanks everyone for your quick responses and YES we are having class at 9:30 am Friday! I DO NOT FOLLOW New Albany Ballet closing policies so please always check in here and be sure to check out me in Columbus Alive next week, Alive and Unedited features me next week! I'll post the link as soon as I get it, and keep checking in with my blog because I am adding new things daily!

:: FRIDAY Jan 8 @ 9:30 am...CLASS or NOT???? :: Feedback please

As I always I listen to you and appreciate as much feedback as possible, I know the snow hasn't stopped and I want your feedback on class (to have or not?) at 9:30 am tomorrow Friday...email me your thoughts tgardneryoga@gmail.com and I will post later tonight DRIVE SAFE! Thanks again for the 40 person class Wed at 7:30 pm...What a rush!!!!

:: CLASS WED NIGHT 7:30 pm Jan 6 ::

:: JUST A FEW REMINDERS FOR 7:30 pm Wednesday TONIGHT, PLEASE READ ::
I have had an overwhelming amount of emails, calls and texts in the last few days and I am at the point where I sooo love connecting with everyone but I can't answer everything, so here is a lot of what you need to know about tonight :)
:: We can not enter the studio until 7:20 so please be patient, and have a seat or just hang in the lobby...yes there is a bathroom to change in as well, I know lots of you come right from work.  Wednesdays are chaotic which I THRIVE ON!!! There is a class in the same studio before us,  I have my assistants there to get the heat on, room set and to help answer questions...I will be signing everyone in outside the door, so if you are new to the class PLEASE note you must sign in before class begins. CASH or CHECK only $12 per drop in and $100 per class pack which must be used within 90 days...Please make payable to Tracey Gardner.
:: Wednesday nights are typically the busiest and highest intensity of all of my classes, ....IT TAKES TIME  to latch onto my technique...in fact I believe in going at your own pace, and you might need a lot of breaks...THAT'S OK!!! Please be sure to bring water and towels and if you have a Theraband (resistance wide band) lying around somewhere, bring it, otherwise you can use your towel...My class is very enduring, challenging and does not follow any specific yoga practice, I have tweaked almost everything we do in class to make every muscle build strength and endurance...so if you have practiced yoga before please come into my class with an open mind because there are quite a few things we do that aren't the same as in a "yoga" class..We do lots of engaging and work every muscle throughout the entire class, the more you engage the more dramatic results you will see in your body. I offer modifications (dropping the knees) on almost every thing we do for arms until you build that strength in the core..CORE is the focus around all poses and flow.  There is music and yes I love it loud, so if you are need to hear me please come to the front of the room. I have soooo many students and every level  in every class and they are awesome at what they do so you will see all levels, please follow what works for you. Don't get frustrated because it could take you 5 to 10 classes to get the flow. Night classes are dark as well...and if you are worried that anyone is looking at you NO ONE is except for encouragement. PLEASE PLEASE no talking in class, it is loud with the music, acoustics in the room and I am having some vocal strain today, so please be considerate to everyone around you. I will be updating daily and as always become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/thetraceygardnermethod
See you on the mat and get ready to sweat!
Namaste'

Goals and intentions for me NOT resolutions :: 2010

As the first day of 2010, a new decade begins, I am officially committed to change my lifestyle, new goals and intentions to take care of me.  This last year was great professionally and I love going, going, going but I realize that my body is not a machine and needs fuel, not just junk to survive...I am working with a wonderful nutritionist/dietician who is making me journal my eating and water intake this past week. It has really been helpful. In the last few months I have been suffering from dehydration almost every other week and now realize I  get dehydrated often is because I think I am drinking enough water but I am NOT...not even close and with the amount of sweating in class, detoxing through the hot classes, water and lots of it is essential! The first day of the new year is a day of football (GO BUCKS), organizing and reassessing. Water intake and gatorade is my number one priority! My other biggest obstacle is sugar and ridding it out of my world...I eat so much candy, not as much chocolate but love Gobstoppers, Airheads, Lemonheads and I have been feeling extremely fatigued and edgy...I know it is surprising right? Most people in the fitness industry claims to eat healthy and balanced, blah, blah blah. Not true, I admit I am just like all of you I am not the perfect eater by any means, my eating habits and fluid intake need to change ASAP and it is going to be hard for me... but it is a goal and my number one intention...I don't believe in in being someone I am not. I am not going to post stuff and preach about cooking and eating healthy meals. I am not going to act like your nutritionist or doctor because that is not my expertise, I can refer you to some amazing people, but don't expect me to tell you what to eat, etc. I struggle with eating healthy and it needs to change, so my point is, as you will all be working on your New Years "resolutions" I am right there with you working on my "intentions" so we can all do it together and realize that achieving our goals takes time but they are possible...
2009 I achieved so many of my goals (some of which I didn't think were possible) and will keep striving to do so in 2010...Again thanks for a wonderful 2009 and cheers to new beginnings in 2010 see you Saturday @8:30 am.
Namaste'